U.S. patent application number 11/525307 was filed with the patent office on 2007-01-18 for network media access control system for encouraging patient compliance with a treatment plan.
Invention is credited to Stephen J. Brown.
Application Number | 20070016446 11/525307 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46326131 |
Filed Date | 2007-01-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070016446 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Brown; Stephen J. |
January 18, 2007 |
Network media access control system for encouraging patient
compliance with a treatment plan
Abstract
A system and method for controlling patient access to an
entertainment program to encourage a patient to comply with a
treatment plan. The method includes the step of collecting
compliance data from the patient. In one embodiment, the compliance
data includes measurements of a physiological condition of the
patient as well as patient answers to compliance questions. The
method further includes the step of comparing the compliance data
to evaluation criteria selected by a healthcare provider to
determine if the patient is in compliance with the treatment plan.
If the patient is in compliance, access is granted to the
entertainment program. If the patient is not in compliance, access
to the entertainment program is restricted. In the preferred
embodiment, the method includes the additional steps of
transmitting and displaying the patient's compliance data and
compliance status to the healthcare provider.
Inventors: |
Brown; Stephen J.;
(Woodside, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HEALTH HERO NETWORK, INC.
2000 SEAPORT BLVD.
SUITE 400
REDWOOD CITY
CA
94063
US
|
Family ID: |
46326131 |
Appl. No.: |
11/525307 |
Filed: |
September 21, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10233296 |
Aug 30, 2002 |
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11525307 |
Sep 21, 2006 |
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09304447 |
May 3, 1999 |
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10233296 |
Aug 30, 2002 |
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08771951 |
Dec 23, 1996 |
5933136 |
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09304447 |
May 3, 1999 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
705/2 ;
600/300 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G16H 10/20 20180101;
G16H 40/67 20180101; A61B 5/4833 20130101; A61B 5/0871 20130101;
A61B 5/0022 20130101; A61B 5/14532 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
705/002 ;
600/300 |
International
Class: |
G06Q 10/00 20060101
G06Q010/00; A61B 5/00 20060101 A61B005/00 |
Claims
1. A system for interactively communicating with an individual,
comprising: a server; a microprocessor based unit remotely located
from said server and in communication with said server; said
microprocessor based unit being suitable for receipt of a first
information from said server; an input device in communication with
said microprocessor based unit; said input device being suitable
for receiving a response from a user of said input device to said
first information and communicating said response to said
microprocessor based unit; and a display unit coupled to said
microprocessor based unit, wherein said display unit displays said
first information to said user, wherein said server evaluates said
response from said user and provides a second information to said
user for display on said display unit.
2. The system as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a computer
remotely located from said server in communication with said
server.
3. The system as claimed in claim 2, wherein said computer
communicates said first information to said server.
4. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said server is
provided said first information for communication to said
microprocessor based unit.
5. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first information
is a set of questions.
6. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first information
is a set of instructions.
7. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said second
information is feedback to said response of said user.
8. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said server is a web
server.
9. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said input device is a
remote control.
10. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said display unit is
a television.
11. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said microprocessor
based unit, said display unit and said input device are integrated
within a single housing.
12. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said microprocessor
based unit communicates with said server through a headend.
13. The system as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a
monitoring device in communication with said server.
14. The system as claimed in claim 13, wherein said monitoring
device measures a health condition of said user.
15. The system as claimed in claim 13, wherein said monitoring
device measures vital signs of said user.
16. The system as claimed in claim 13, wherein said monitoring
device communicates with said server through a radio frequency
link.
17. The system as claimed in claim 13, wherein said monitoring
device communicates with said server through a modem.
18. The system as claimed in claim 13, wherein said monitoring
device communicates with said server through a telephone line.
19. The system as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a
monitoring device in communication with said microprocessor based
unit.
20. The system as claimed in claim 19, wherein said monitoring
device measures a health condition of said user.
21. The system as claimed in claim 19, wherein said monitoring
device measures vital signs of said user.
22. The system as claimed in claim 19, wherein said monitoring
device communicates with said microprocessor based unit through a
radio frequency link.
23. The system as claimed in claim 19, wherein said monitoring
device communicates with said microprocessor based unit through a
modem.
24. The system as claimed in claim 19, wherein said monitoring
device communicates with said microprocessor based unit through a
telephone line.
25. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said microprocessor
based unit includes a web browser and a modem.
26. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said microprocessor
based unit and said server communicate across internet.
27. A method, executable by a microprocessor based unit, for
interactively communicating with an individual, comprising:
receiving a first information from a server; transferring said
first information to a display unit for display of said information
request to a user; receiving a response from said user regarding
said first information through an input device; transferring said
response to said server, said server providing an evaluation of
said response; receiving said second information from said server;
and transferring said second information to said display unit for
display of said second information to said user.
28. The method as claimed in claim 27, wherein said first
information is a set of questions.
29. The method as claimed in claim 27, wherein said first
information is a set of instructions.
30. The method as claimed in claim 27, wherein said second
information is feedback to said response of said user.
31. The method as claimed in claim 27, wherein said server is a web
server.
32. The method as claimed in claim 27, wherein said input device is
a remote control.
33. The method as claimed in claim 27, wherein said display unit is
a television.
34. The method as claimed in claim 27, wherein said microprocessor
based unit, said display unit and said input device are integrated
within a single housing.
35. The method as claimed in claim 27, further comprising receiving
data regarding a health condition of said user.
36. The method as claimed in claim 35, wherein said health
condition includes vital signs of said user.
37. The method as claimed in claim 35, wherein said data regarding
a health condition is received through a radio frequency link.
38. The method as claimed in claim 35, wherein said data regarding
a health condition is received through a modem.
39. The method as claimed in claim 35, wherein said data regarding
a health condition is received through a telephone line.
40. The method as claimed in claim 27, wherein said receiving of
said first and second information is across internet.
41. A system for interactively communicating with an individual,
comprising: a server; a set-top box microprocessor based unit
remotely located from said server and in communication with said
server; said set-top box microprocessor based unit being suitable
for receipt of a first information from said server; a remote
control device in communication with said set-top box
microprocessor based unit; said remote control device being
suitable for receiving a response from a user of said remote
control device to said first information and communicating said
response to said set-top box microprocessor based unit; and a
television coupled to said microprocessor based unit, wherein said
television displays said first information to said user, wherein
said server evaluates said response from said user and provides a
second information to said user for display on said television.
42. The system as claimed in claim 41, further comprising a
computer remotely located from said server in communication with
said server.
43. The system as claimed in claim 42, wherein said computer
communicates said first information to said server.
44. The system as claimed in claim 41, wherein said server is
provided said first information for communication to said set-top
box microprocessor based unit.
45. The system as claimed in claim 41, wherein said first
information is a set of questions.
46. The system as claimed in claim 41, wherein said first
information is a set of instructions.
47. The system as claimed in claim 41, wherein said second
information is feedback to said response of said user.
48. The system as claimed in claim 41, wherein said server is a web
server.
49. The system as claimed in claim 41, wherein said set-top box
microprocessor based unit and said television are integrated within
a single housing.
50. The system as claimed in claim 41, wherein said set-top box
microprocessor based unit communicates with said server through a
headend.
51. The system as claimed in claim 41, further comprising a
monitoring device in communication with said server.
52. The system as claimed in claim 51, wherein said monitoring
device measures a health condition of said user.
53. The system as claimed in claim 51, wherein said monitoring
device measures vital signs of said user.
54. The system as claimed in claim 51, wherein said monitoring
device communicates with said server through a radio frequency
link.
55. The system as claimed in claim 51, wherein said monitoring
device communicates with said server through a modem.
56. The system as claimed in claim 51, wherein said monitoring
device communicates with said server through a telephone line.
57. The system as claimed in claim 41, further comprising a
monitoring device in communication with said set-top box
microprocessor based unit.
58. The system as claimed in claim 57, wherein said monitoring
device measures a health condition of said user.
59. The system as claimed in claim 57, wherein said monitoring
device measures vital signs of said user.
60. The system as claimed in claim 57, wherein said monitoring
device communicates with said set-top box microprocessor based unit
through a radio frequency link.
61. The system as claimed in claim 57, wherein said monitoring
device communicates with said set-top box microprocessor based unit
through a modem.
62. The system as claimed in claim 57, wherein said monitoring
device communicates with said set-top box microprocessor based unit
through a telephone line.
63. The system as claimed in claim 41, wherein said set-top box
microprocessor based unit includes a web browser and a modem.
64. The system as claimed in claim 41, wherein said set-top box
microprocessor based unit and said server communicate across
internet.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 10/233,296 filed Aug. 30, 2002 which is a
continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 09/304,447 filed May 3, 1999 (abandoned) which is a
continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/771,951 filed
Dec. 23, 1996, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,933,136. Said U.S. patent
application Ser. Nos. 10/233,296, 09/304,447 and 08/877,951 are
hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to access control
systems, and in particular to a system and method for controlling a
patient's access to an entertainment program to encourage the
patient to comply with a treatment plan for a health condition.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] In recent years, an increasing number of healthcare
providers have initiated outpatient or home healthcare programs for
their patients. The potential benefits of these home healthcare
programs are particularly great for chronically ill patients, such
as those suffering from diabetes or asthma, who must treat their
diseases on a daily basis. However, the success of these home
healthcare programs is currently limited by each patient's
initiative and motivation to comply with a prescribed treatment
plan for his or her disease.
[0004] The most common reason a patient fails to comply with a
treatment plan is a lack of motivation to treat the disease when
the disease is not causing an immediately recognizable affect. The
primary affect of most diseases is pain, and once the pain stops,
many patients ignore the disease until the pain returns. Of course,
most healthcare issues can be addressed much more effectively
through prevention. The challenge is in communicating the
preventative concept to a patient in such a way that he or she will
be motivated and encouraged to comply with a prescribed treatment
plan.
[0005] A patient's lack of motivation to comply with a treatment
plan also limits the ability of a healthcare provider to aid the
patient in treating his or her disease. Many treatment plans
require daily monitoring of a physiological condition of the
patient, such as blood glucose levels in diabetes and peak flow
rates in asthma. Since the patients themselves monitor these
conditions in outpatient programs, the provider is often limited to
learning each patient's status strictly through patient initiated
events, such as an emergency visit or the delivery of the patient's
latest medical data. Even with the current availability of remote
monitoring devices that store and transmit medical data from a
patient's home to a medical clinic, the provider must still wait
for medical information whose arrival depends on the patient's
initiative.
[0006] As a result, the majority of the provider's time is spent
with the patients who are the most motivated and eager for
treatment, while the greatest medical needs remain with the
unmotivated patients who do not visit the provider or transmit
their medical data. These unmotivated patients often develop urgent
medical needs that could have been prevented with proper plan
compliance. Consequently, the cost of treating their diseases is
much higher than one might expect given the sophistication of
current medical monitoring devices.
[0007] The prior art has not taught a restrictive access control
system for encouraging a patient's compliance with a treatment
plan. However, access control systems have been developed for
controlling access to television programming based on the paying of
a program fee or the desired censorship of programs containing
subject matter deemed unsuitable for all viewers. For example, U.S.
Pat. No. 4,768,229 issued to Benjamin et al. on Aug. 30, 1988
describes a restrictive access control system that includes a
three-state switch for limiting television tuning access to only
designated channels. U.S. Pat. No. 5,550,575 issued to West et al.
on Aug. 27, 1996 discloses a viewer discretion television program
control system which relies upon suitability ratings and personal
identification numbers of household viewers to restrict television
program access.
[0008] The systems described by Benjamin and West are not directed
at motivating a patient to comply with a treatment plan, nor do
they have any mechanism for monitoring a patient's compliance or
for controlling program access in dependence upon the patient's
compliance. Thus, none of the prior art systems for controlling
access to an entertainment program encourage a patient to comply
with a treatment plan, nor do they provide for remote monitoring of
a patient's compliance.
OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION
[0009] In view of the above, it is an object of the present
invention to provide a system and method for controlling a
patient's access to an entertainment program to encourage the
patient to comply with a prescribed treatment plan. It is another
object of the invention to provide an access control system that
encourages an unmotivated patient to monitor his or her condition
and to transmit monitored data to a healthcare provider.
[0010] These and other objects and advantages will become more
apparent after consideration of the ensuing description and the
accompanying drawings.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] The invention presents a system and method for controlling
patient access to an entertainment program to encourage a patient
to comply with a treatment plan. The method includes the step of
collecting in an access control system patient compliance data for
determining if the patient is in compliance with the treatment
plan. In the preferred embodiment, the compliance data includes
measurements of a physiological condition of the patient as well as
patient answers to compliance questions.
[0012] The method further includes the step of storing in the
access control system compliance evaluation criteria selected by a
healthcare provider. The compliance data is compared to the
evaluation criteria to determine if the patient is in compliance
with the treatment plan. If the patient is in compliance, access is
granted to the entertainment program. If the patient is not in
compliance, access to the entertainment program is restricted. In
the preferred embodiment, the method includes the additional step
of displaying the patient's compliance data and compliance status
to the healthcare provider.
[0013] A preferred system for implementing the method of the
invention includes a program display unit for displaying an
entertainment program to the patient. The system also includes a
monitoring device for collecting patient compliance data and a
memory for storing the compliance evaluation criteria. An
evaluation program compares the compliance data to the evaluation
criteria to determine if the patient is in compliance with the
treatment plan. The system further includes an access control
device in communication with the evaluation program for controlling
access to the entertainment program in dependence upon the
compliance status of the patient.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of an access control
system according to the invention.
[0015] FIG. 2 is a sample evaluation criteria entry screen.
[0016] FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram of a central server of
the access control system of FIG. 1.
[0017] FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram of an access control
device of the access control system of FIG. 1.
[0018] FIG. 5 is a sample compliance questions script according to
the invention.
[0019] FIGS. 6-8 are sample messages appearing on the screen of a
program display unit of the access control system of FIG. 1.
[0020] FIG. 9 is a sample compliance data view appearing on the
screen of a provider workstation of the access control system of
FIG. 1.
[0021] FIG. 10 is a flow chart illustrating steps included in a
method of the invention.
[0022] FIG. 11 is a schematic block diagram of another access
control system according to the invention.
[0023] FIG. 12 is a sample compliance questionnaire appearing on
the screen of a program display unit of the access control system
of FIG. 11.
[0024] FIG. 13 is a flow chart illustrating steps included in
another method of the invention.
[0025] FIG. 14 is a schematic block diagram of another access
control system according to the invention.
[0026] FIG. 15 is a schematic block diagram of another access
control system according to the invention.
[0027] FIG. 16 is a schematic block diagram of a web server,
television set-top processor, and program display unit of the
access control system of FIG. 15.
[0028] FIG. 17 is a flow chart illustrating steps included in
another method of the invention.
DESCRIPTION
[0029] The present invention is a system and method for controlling
patient access to an entertainment program to encourage a patient
to comply with a treatment plan. In the following detailed
description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to
provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However,
it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that these
specific details need not be used to practice the invention. In
other instances, well known structures, interfaces, and processes
are not shown in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the
present invention.
[0030] A preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated in
FIGS. 1-9. FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of an access control
system 10 for controlling patient access to an entertainment
program. The system includes an entertainment program source 11 for
broadcasting the entertainment program to a local cable operator
headend 12. In the preferred embodiment, program source 11 is a
satellite television broadcast system and the entertainment program
is a television program. Headend 12 is connected via cable to a
television set-top processor 14, in the preferred embodiment a
cable converter box.
[0031] Set-top processor 14 is connected to a program display unit,
such as a television 16, for displaying the television program to
the patient. Specific techniques for establishing a cable
television system in this manner are well known in the art.
Although set-top processor 14 is illustrated as a separate device
in FIG. 1, those skilled in the art will appreciate that processor
14 may be built into the television or built into a video cassette
recorder.
[0032] A central server 18 of a healthcare clinic is connected to
headend 12 such that server 18 is in communication with set-top
processor 14 through headend 12. A DTMF telephone 20 is connected
to server 18 via standard telephone lines. Telephone 20 is for
collecting patient answers to compliance questions through an
automated telephone call, as will be explained below. A medical
monitoring device 22 is connected to telephone 20 such that
monitoring device 22 is in signal communication with server 18
through telephone 20.
[0033] Monitoring device 22 is capable of producing measurements of
a physiological condition of the patient and recording the
measurements for later transmission to server 18. For example, for
a diabetic patient, device 22 is a blood glucose meter for
measuring the patient's blood glucose levels. For an asthmatic
patient, device 22 is a peak flow meter for measuring the patient's
peak flow rates. Such monitoring devices for recording and
transmitting measurements are well known in the art. Further, those
skilled in the art will appreciate that monitoring device 22 need
not be connected to server 18 through telephone 22. For example, in
an alternative embodiment, monitoring device 22 is a wireless
device having an RF transmitter for transmitting the measurements
to server 18 through an RF link. In another embodiment, device 22
is connected to server 18 through a separate modem connection.
[0034] A workstation 24 of a healthcare provider is networked to
central server 18. Workstation 24 is preferably a personal computer
or network terminal and includes a display 27 and a selection
device 29, such as a mouse or keyboard. Workstation 24 is for
entering in server 18 a treatment plan specification including
compliance evaluation criteria for evaluating a compliance of the
patient with the treatment plan.
[0035] FIG. 2 illustrates a treatment plan specification screen 31
as it appears on display 27 of workstation 24. Screen 31 includes a
patient field 26 for specifying a patient to be evaluated and a
disease field 28 for specifying the patient's disease. The
preferred embodiment will be described with reference to a patient
who has diabetes, although it is to be understood that the system
may be used with patients having any type of health condition which
requires a treatment plan.
[0036] Screen 31 includes check boxes 30 for selecting desired
monitoring types. The monitoring types determine how the compliance
of the patient with the treatment plan is to be monitored. For
example, a diabetic patient may be monitored through a blood
glucose meter, interactive telephone questions, on-screen
questions, or an interactive educational program. This list of
monitoring types represents a sample of the presently preferred
monitoring types and is not intended to limit the scope of the
access control system.
[0037] Screen 31 also includes check boxes 32 for selecting
evaluation criteria corresponding to each monitoring type and data
fields 34 for specifying criteria values. For example, FIG. 2
illustrates that the healthcare provider has selected glucose
monitoring for the patient. The healthcare provider has also
specified minimum glucose values, maximum glucose values, and a
minimum number of glucose measurements the patient must make to
comply with the treatment plan. The healthcare provider has further
specified telephone question monitoring for the patient and a
minimum score to be achieved by the patient in answering the
questions. Screen 31 further includes a monitoring interval field
36 for specifying a desired monitoring interval, an OK button 38
for confirming the information entered in screen 31, and a CANCEL
button 40 for canceling the information entered in screen 31.
[0038] FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram illustrating server 18
in greater detail. Server 18 has a patient database 42 for storing
plan specification 44 received from workstation 24 and measurements
50 received from device 22. Database 42 is further capable of
storing compliance questions 46, patient answers 48, and compliance
instructions 52. Server 18 includes a call processing application
54 for placing an automated telephone call to the patient.
Application 54 is designed to ask compliance questions 46 and
receive patient answers 48 through telephone 20 and digital/tone
signal converter 58. A compliance questions script 82 containing
sample compliance questions is shown in FIG. 5. The programming of
an automated call processing application to perform these functions
is well known in the art.
[0039] Server 18 further includes a data view program 61. Data view
program 61 is designed to display device measurements 50 and a
compliance status of the patient on the display of workstation 24.
FIG. 9 shows a sample data view 90 produced by the data view
program illustrating a diabetic patient's compliance data. Data
view 90 includes a graph of the device measurements, as well as a
compliance status field 92 indicating the current compliance status
of the patient. Specific techniques for creating a data view
program to display data in this manner are well known in the
art.
[0040] Referring again to FIG. 3, server 18 additionally includes
an evaluation program 56. Evaluation program 56 is designed to
compare the compliance data received in database 42 to the
evaluation criteria specified in plan specification 44 to determine
a compliance status of the patient. Evaluation program 56 also
includes program logic for performing various control functions
described in the operation section below. Specific techniques for
creating an evaluation program to perform the control functions
described are well known in the art.
[0041] Server 18 is connected to a data transmitter/receiver 60 for
transmitting data to headend 12 and receiving data from headend 12
through a data link 62. It will be apparent to one skilled in the
art that data link 62 may comprise a telephone line, radio signal
link, satellite link, or any other suitable link for transmitting
data between a server and a cable headend.
[0042] FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram illustrating the
interaction of headend 12, set-top processor 14, and television 16
in greater detail. Headend 12 is designed to receive television
program signals from program source 11 and relay the program
signals to set-top processor 14 through a signal path 66. Headend
12 is further designed to receive data signals from server 12
through link 62 and relay the data signals to set-top processor 14
through a signal path 64. It will be apparent to one skilled in the
art that signal paths 64 and 66 may be located in the same
transmission cable connecting set-top processor 14 to headend
12.
[0043] Set-top processor 14 has a television tuner 72 for receiving
the television program signals from signal path 66. Set-top
processor 14 also has a data receiver 68 for receiving the data
signals from signal path 64 and for relaying the data signals to a
microprocessor 70. A memory 74 and a video text generator 76 are
connected to microprocessor 70. Set-top processor 14 also includes
a switch 78 controlled by microprocessor 70. The switch has a first
position for connecting generator 76 to television 16 and a second
position for connecting tuner 72 to television 16. Generator 76 is
designed to generate text messages for display on television 16.
Sample text messages are shown in FIGS. 6-8 and will be explained
in detail below.
[0044] The operation of the preferred embodiment is illustrated in
FIG. 10. FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing a preferred method of
using access control system 10 to encourage the patient to comply
with the treatment plan. In step 200, plan specification 44 is
selected by a healthcare provider and stored in database 42. The
healthcare provider stores plan specification 44 including the
selected evaluation criteria in database 42 by completing screen 31
on workstation 24 and pressing OK button 38, as shown in FIG.
2.
[0045] Next, evaluation program 56 determines if the healthcare
provider specified telephone monitoring for the patient, decision
step 202. If telephone monitoring is not specified, evaluation
program 56 proceeds to decision step 208. If telephone monitoring
is specified, call processing application 54 completes an automated
telephone call to the patient, step 204. Call processing
application 54 places the call to the patient through telephone 20
and asks compliance questions 46. The patient answers the questions
using the touch tone key pad of telephone 20. Patient answers 48
are received through converter 58 and stored in database 42. Next,
evaluation program 56 compares patient answers 48 to the evaluation
criteria specified in plan specification 44, step 206.
[0046] As shown in FIG. 2, the healthcare provider specified that
the compliance questions need only be completed by the patient to
be in compliance. In an alternative embodiment, the healthcare
provider may enter a minimum numeric score the patient must achieve
to be in compliance. In this embodiment, the evaluation program
includes program logic for scoring the patient answers and for
comparing the patient's score to the minimum score specified by the
healthcare provider.
[0047] The advantage of merely requiring the patient to provide
complete answers to the compliance questions is that it removes the
temptation for the patient to be untruthful in his or her answers
in an effort to achieve a false compliance status. It is a
significant advance in healthcare to motivate a patient to supply
information to a healthcare provider on a regular basis, even if
the information indicates that the patient is having difficulty
with the treatment plan. Thus, in the preferred embodiment, the
patient is deemed to be in compliance if the patient provides
complete answers to the compliance questions.
[0048] Following step 206, evaluation program 56 proceeds to
decision step 208, determining if the healthcare provider specified
device monitoring for the patient. If device monitoring is not
specified, evaluation program 56 proceeds to decision step 216. If
device monitoring is specified, evaluation program 56 proceeds to
step 210, prompting the patient to transmit measurements 50 to
server 18.
[0049] To prompt the patient, server 18 transmits prompt signals to
set-top processor 14 through link 62 and path 64, as shown in FIG.
4. The prompt signals include prompt data used by text generator 76
to generate a prompting message on television 16. Microprocessor 70
places switch 78 in its first position to connect text generator 76
to television 16. Generator 76 then produces a prompt message 84
which is displayed on television 16, as shown in FIG. 6.
[0050] Upon reading the prompt, the patient transmits measurements
50 from monitoring device 22 to central server 18, step 212, and
the measurements are stored in database 42. Evaluation program 56
then compares the measurements to the criteria values specified by
the healthcare provider, step 214. In step 216, evaluation program
56 determine a compliance status of the patient based on the
comparison of measurements 50 and patient answers 48 to the
corresponding criteria values specified by the healthcare provider.
If the patient is in compliance, a compliance message is displayed
to the patient, step 218, and access is granted to the television
program, step 220.
[0051] To display the compliance message and grant access to the
television program, server 18 transmits compliance message signals
and a grant access control signal to set-top processor 14 through
link 62 and path 64, as illustrated in FIG. 4. The compliance
message signals include compliance message data used by text
generator 76 to generate the compliance message on television 16.
Microprocessor 70 places switch 78 in its first position to connect
text generator 76 to television 16. Generator 76 then produces a
compliance message 86 which is displayed on television 16, as shown
in FIG. 7. The grant access control signal instructs microprocessor
70 to place switch 78 in its second position following the display
of message 86. In its second position, switch 78 connects tuner 72
to television 16 so that the patient has access to the television
program.
[0052] If the patient is not in compliance, an instructional
message is displayed to the patient, step 222, and access is
restricted to the television program, step 224. To display the
instructional message and restrict access to the television
program, server 18 transmits instruction signals and a restrict
access control signal to set-top processor 14. The instruction
signals include instructional message data used by text generator
76 to generate the instructional message on television 16.
Microprocessor 70 places switch 78 in its first position to connect
text generator 76 to television 16. Generator 76 then produces the
instructional message which is displayed on television 16.
[0053] FIG. 8 shows a sample instructional message 88 as it appears
on television 16. Message 88 contains an explanation of why access
to the entertainment program is being restricted and compliance
instructions which include a description of an action the patient
must perform to satisfy the evaluation criteria. The restrict
access control signal instructs microprocessor 70 to maintain
switch 78 in its first position following the display of message
88. In its first position, switch 78 disconnects tuner 72 from
television 16 so that the patient is denied access to the
television program.
[0054] In step 226, the compliance data and compliance status of
the patient are displayed to the healthcare provider in compliance
data view 90, as shown in FIG. 9. Next, the health care provider
determines if he or she wishes to modify the patient's treatment
plan specification, decision step 228. If the healthcare provider
desires to modify the plan specification, he or she returns to step
200, storing the plan specification in the database. If the
healthcare provider does not desire to modify the plan
specification, evaluation program 56 returns to step 202 and
continues the monitoring loop at the specified monitoring
interval.
[0055] FIGS. 11-12 illustrate a second embodiment of the invention.
The second embodiment differs from the preferred embodiment in that
the evaluation program is stored and executed in the set-top
processor rather than the server. Thus, in the second embodiment,
the compliance status of the patient is determined by the set-top
processor rather than the server.
[0056] Referring to FIG. 11, an access control system 85 includes a
set-top processor 14 having a microprocessor 70 and a memory 74.
Memory 74 stores the evaluation program to be executed by
microprocessor 70 to determine a compliance status of the patient
and to perform the control functions described in the operation
section below. The programming of a microprocessor to perform the
functions described is well known in the art. Memory 74 further
stores compliance instructions for the patient and prompt data used
by text generator 76 to produce prompting messages for display on
television 16.
[0057] The second embodiment also differs from the preferred
embodiment in that the patient is asked compliance questions
through television 16 rather than through an automated telephone
call. System 85 includes a user input device, such as remote
control 98, for entering patient answers to the compliance
questions. Remote control 98 is preferably a standard infrared
remote for generating infrared signals 100. Set-top processor 14
has a control receiver 102 connected to microprocessor 70 for
receiving infrared signals 100 from remote control 98.
[0058] The second embodiment further differs from the preferred
embodiment in that monitoring device 22 is connected to set-top
processor 14 rather than server 18. Set-top processor 14 has a data
port 96 connected to memory 74 through microprocessor 70. Device 22
is connected to data port 96 through a connection cord 69 such that
measurements 50 may be uploaded to microprocessor 70 for storage in
memory 74. Set-top processor 14 further includes a data
receiver/transmitter 67 for receiving data input signals from
headend 12 through signal path 64 and for transmitting data output
signals to headend 12 through a signal path 94. Signal paths 64 and
94 are preferably located in the same transmission cable connecting
set-top processor 14 to headend 12.
[0059] The operation of the second embodiment is shown in FIG. 13.
FIG. 13 is a flow chart showing a preferred method of using access
control system 85 to encourage a patient to comply with a treatment
plan. In step 300, plan specification 44 and compliance questions
46 are transmitted from server 18 to set-top processor 14 through
link 62 and signal path 64. Plan specification 44 and compliance
questions 46 are received by receiver/transmitter 67 and stored in
memory 74. In step 302, text generator 76 produces a compliance
questionnaire which is displayed to the patient on television 16.
FIG. 12 illustrates a sample compliance questionnaire 104
containing compliance questions 46.
[0060] The patient enters answers 48 to compliance questions 46
using remote control 98, step 304. The patient answers are received
through control receiver 102 and stored in memory 74.
Microprocessor 70 compares the patient answers to the criteria
specified in plan specification 44, step 306. Next, microprocessor
70 determines if plan specification 44 specifies device monitoring
for the patient, decision step 308. If device monitoring is not
specified, microprocessor 70 proceeds to decision step 316. If
device monitoring is specified, microprocessor 70 proceeds to step
310, prompting the patient to upload device measurements 50 to
set-top processor 14.
[0061] To prompt the patient, text generator 76 generates a prompt
message which is displayed on television 16 asking the patient to
upload measurements 50 to set-top processor 14. The patient then
uploads the measurements from monitoring device 22 to set-top
processor 14 through cord 69, step 312. The measurements are
received through data port 96 and stored in memory 74.
[0062] In step 314, microprocessor 70 compares the measurements to
the criteria values specified in plan specification 44. In step
316, microprocessor 70 determines a compliance status of the
patient based on the comparison of measurements 50 and patient
answers 48 to the corresponding criteria values specified in plan
specification 44, decision step 316. If the patient is in
compliance, access is granted to the desired television program,
step 318. To grant access, microprocessor 70 positions switch 78 in
its second position to connect tuner 72 to television 16.
Microprocessor 70 then proceeds to step 324.
[0063] If the patient is not in compliance, access is restricted to
the television program, step 320, and the compliance instructions
are displayed to the patient on television 16, step 324. To
restrict access to the television program and display the
compliance instructions, microprocessor 70 places switch 78 in its
first position to connect text generator 76 to television 16.
[0064] Generator 76 then produces an instructional message which is
displayed on television 16. As described in the preferred
embodiment above, the message contains an explanation of why access
to the entertainment program is being restricted and compliance
instructions which include a description of an action the patient
must perform to satisfy the evaluation criteria. Microprocessor 70
maintains switch 78 in its first position following the display of
the message so that the patient is denied access to the television
program.
[0065] In step 324, the device measurements, patient answers, and
compliance status of the patient are transmitted from set-top
processor 14 to server 18 through signal path 94 and link 62. The
compliance status, measurements, and patient answers are stored in
database 42. The remaining operation of the second embodiment is
analogous to the operation of the preferred embodiment described
above.
[0066] Although the second embodiment has been described with the
central server communicating with the set-top processor through the
cable headend, it is obvious that the central server could also be
connected directly to the set-top processor through telephone
lines, or a similarly suitable network connection. Communication
through the cable headend is presently preferred so that the
set-top processor need only have one network connection, but it is
anticipated that the central server may be in direct communication
with the set-top processor.
[0067] FIG. 14 shows a third embodiment of the invention. The third
embodiment is similar in design and operation to the second
embodiment described above. However, the third embodiment differs
from the second embodiment in that the central server and
workstation are replaced by a single healthcare provider computer.
The third embodiment also differs from the second embodiment in
that data is transferred between the set-top processor and provider
computer using a data storage card rather than network
connections.
[0068] As shown in FIG. 14, an access control system 115 includes a
healthcare provider computer 25, preferably a personal computer.
Computer 25 includes patient database 42 for storing plan
specification 44, compliance questions 46, patient answers 48, and
device measurements 50. Computer 25 also includes a data card
reader/writer 124 for receiving a data storage card 128, such as a
smart card or computer disk. Reader/writer 24 is designed to read
data from card 128 and write data to card 128. Set-top processor 14
has a corresponding card reader/writer 126 for reading data from
card 128 and writing data to card 128.
[0069] The operation of the third embodiment is analogous to the
operation of the second embodiment previously described with
reference to FIG. 13. The operation of the third embodiment differs
only in step 300, transmitting plan specification 44 and compliance
questions 46 to set-top processor 14, and step 324, transmitting
the compliance data to database 42. In the third embodiment, step
300 is performed by writing plan specification 44 and compliance
questions 46 on card 128 using reader/writer 124 of provider
computer 25. The healthcare provider typically performs this step
during a patient office visit. The patient then takes card 128 to
set-top processor 14 and inserts card 128 in reader/writer 126.
Plan specification 44 and compliance questions 46 are then read and
stored in memory 74.
[0070] Similarly, step 302 is performed by writing patient answers
48 and measurements 50 on card 128 using reader/writer 126 of
set-top processor 14. The patient then takes card 128 to the
healthcare provider. The healthcare provider inserts card 128 in
reader/writer 124. Patient answers 48 and measurements 50 are then
read and stored in database 42. Other than the differences
described, the operation of the third embodiment is the same as the
operation of the second embodiment described above.
[0071] A fourth embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIGS.
15-16. The fourth embodiment differs from the preferred embodiment
in that the entertainment program source is a world wide web server
and the entertainment program is a web entertainment program.
Referring to FIG. 15, an access control system 105 includes a web
server 106 connected to a web television set-top processor 15.
Set-top processor 15 is connected to television 16 such that
television 16 displays to the patient world wide web programs
accessed through set-top processor 15. Workstation 24 is networked
to web server 106 for entering in web server 106 plan specification
44.
[0072] The fourth embodiment also differs from the preferred
embodiment in that the compliance data collected from the patient
includes patient responses to an interactive educational program.
Referring to FIG. 16, web server 106 includes an interactive
educational program 114 for teaching the patient proper treatment
of his or her health condition and for asking the patient questions
about the information presented. Such interactive educational
programs for teaching a patient about a health condition are well
known in the art. Web server 106 also includes a patient database
42 for storing plan specification 44 received from workstation 24
and patient responses 120 to program 114.
[0073] Web server 106 further includes a router 118 for routing
patient access between educational program 114 and a web
entertainment program 116. Web server 106 additionally includes
evaluation program 56. In this embodiment, evaluation program 56 is
designed to compare patient responses 120 received in database 42
to the evaluation criteria specified in plan specification 44 to
determine a compliance status of the patient. Evaluation program 56
also includes program logic for performing various control
functions described in the operation section below. Specific
techniques for creating an evaluation program to perform the
control functions described are well known in the art.
[0074] Set-top processor 15 includes a web browser program 110
stored in memory 74. Set-top processor 15 also includes a modem
108. Microprocessor 70 is connected to memory 74 and modem 108 to
execute browser program 110 and access web server 106 through
internet communication network 112. Set-top processor 15 also
includes control receiver 102 connected to microprocessor 70 for
receiving infrared signals 100 from remote control 98.
[0075] The operation of the fourth embodiment is shown in FIG. 17.
FIG. 17 is a flow chart showing a preferred method of using system
105 to control patient access to entertainment program 116. In step
400, plan specification 44 is stored in web server 106 through
workstation 24. Next, the patient accesses web server 106 through
set-top processor 15 and network 112. Router 118 initially routes
the patient to educational program 114 and restricts access to
entertainment program 116. Educational program 114 is displayed on
television 16, step 402.
[0076] As the patient interacts with educational program 114, he or
she enters patient responses 120 using remote control 98. Patient
responses 120 are received by web server 106 and stored in database
42, step 404. Next, evaluation program 56 compares the patient
responses to the criteria specified in plan specification 44, step
406. Evaluation program 56 then determines if the patient is in
compliance, decision step 408. If the patient is in compliance,
access is granted to entertainment program 116, step 410. To grant
access, evaluation program 56 instructs router 118 to route the
patient to entertainment program 116.
[0077] if the patient is not in compliance, access is restricted to
entertainment program 116, step 412. Router 118 continues to
restrict the patient's access to entertainment program 116 until
evaluation program 56 determines that the patient is in compliance.
The remaining operation of the fourth embodiment is analogous to
the operation of the preferred embodiment described above.
SUMMARY, RAMIFICATIONS, AND SCOPE
[0078] Although the above description contains many specificities,
these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the
invention but merely as illustrations of some of the presently
preferred embodiments. Many other embodiments of the invention are
possible. For example, the invention is not limited to controlling
patient access to a television program or world wide web program.
The method of the invention is equally effective for controlling
access to any entertainment program which may be broadcast or
otherwise transmitted to consumers. In embodiments that control
access to television programs, the invention is not limited to
cable television systems. It is anticipated that the method of the
invention will be used with direct broadcast satellite systems or
any other system for broadcasting television programming.
[0079] Additionally, the set-top processor described is exemplary
of just one possible embodiment of the invention. Those skilled in
the art will appreciate that many other types of processors may be
used to restrict access to an entertainment program. For example,
an alternative embodiment includes a processor having a signal
decoder which is selectively enabled and disabled by an
entertainment broadcast company. In this embodiment, the broadcast
company receives the patient's compliance status directly from the
central server or healthcare provider and grants or restricts
access to its broadcast entertainment programs by selectively
enabling and disabling the processor.
[0080] Further, the preferred embodiment describes the use of
medical monitoring devices and telephones for collecting compliance
data from the patient. However, many other methods of collecting
data from a patient are possible in alternative embodiments. For
example, the patient could be provided with an electronic logbook
and modem for transmitting compliance data via telephone lines. In
another embodiment, the patient is provided with a paper based
logbook and an automated reader for digitizing and transmitting the
compliance data to the patient database. Alternatively, the patient
could mail or fax the compliance data to the healthcare provider
for entry into the database.
[0081] The compliance questions and compliance instructions
illustrated are exemplary of just one possible embodiment of the
invention. Many other questions and instructions may be displayed
or telephoned to patients in alternative embodiments. Additionally,
the preferred embodiment describes a system and method for
encouraging patients having diabetes. However, the invention is not
limited to diabetic patients. The system and method described are
equally effective for patients having asthma, hypertension,
cardiovascular disease, eating disorders, HIV, mental health
disorders, or any other health condition requiring a treatment
plan.
[0082] Therefore, the scope of the invention should be determined
not by the examples given but by the appended claims and their
legal equivalents.
* * * * *